Category: Philippine Star

Ateneo continues to roll in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

In front of 17,185 fans, the Blue Eagles thwarted a furious rally by archrivals La Salle Green Archers to grab a wire-to-wire, 81-74 victory in their first meeting of the season Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

La Salle sliced a 33-point lead to single digit late, but its fightback came a little too late against an Ateneo side that banked on defense to build a mountain of an upperhand.

The troika Kymani Ladi, Dom Escobar and Shawn Tuano had 15 markers apiece for Ateneo. Joshua Lazaro chipped in nine points.

The Green Archers trailed by as big as 33 points, 68-35, after a pair of free throws by Ian Espinosa toward the end of the third period.

But a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Doy Dungo made it a 30 point deficit, 38-68, heading to the fourth quarter.

This sparked the Taft-based squad, who slowly nipped the disadvantage to 11, 57-68, after a split from the line by Vhoris Marasigan.

An and-one play by Shawn Tuano, though, snapped the run and push Ateneo’s lead to 14, 71-57.

However, La Salle already had more pep in their step, as they inched to within single digits, 66-75, with 1:43 to go following a pair of free throws by Mike Phillips.

A Phillips putback made it a five point game, 72-77, with 30.4 seconds remaining.

But finishing touches by Tuano and Andrew Bongo iced the game.

Leading by just three at the end of the first quarter, 14-11, Ateneo soared over the Taft-based squad with a 22-8 second frame to grab a 36-19 lead.

The onslaught did not stop there, as Blue Eagles took a lead as big as 33 points, before La Salle’s searing run.

Mike Phillips stood tall for the Green Archers with 17 points, 20 rebounds and six assists. Kean Baclaan produced his best game for La Salle thus far with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Cortez had 10.

Ateneo thus remained unbeaten through four games this season. It has equaled its win total from last season, when it with a 4-10 win-loss record.

La Salle dropped to 2-2, tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

It’ll be a big test for Ginebra coach Tim Cone to harness his resources in trying to beat Magnolia in the PBA Golden Season opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. Filling the gaps is something Cone has to do with Japeth Aguilar and Isaac Go on the injured list and Jamie Malonzo gone abroad. That leaves Troy Rosario, newly-acquired Norbert Torres, Ben Adamos and possibly Stephen Holt to hold the fort inside the paint with size a major handicap.

Cone will likely play small with Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos and Mav Ahanmisi rotating in the backcourt. Abarrientos started only once in 19 games in the Philippine Cup last season but may take a bigger role at point guard to slide Thompson at two. Ahanmisi could be the wildcard at two or three. Holt’s versatility will be useful as he can play multiple positions. For Ginebra, the key is controlling the pace. Cone employs a short rotation so Ginebra has to set the tempo for a deliberate, half-court battle. To control the pace, it’s critical to control the boards.

Ginebra was No. 1 in assists last conference with finding the open man a priority in creating motion to execute from the triangle. That’s where Abarrientos and Thompson come in as they averaged a combined 10 assists in the previous Philippine Cup. Ginebra will miss Aguilar’s norms of 16.3 points and 7.3 rebounds and Malonzo’s 13.1 points and 6.2 rebounds. It’ll be about stepping up and adjusting to maximize who’s available.

For Magnolia, new coach LA Tenorio knows Cone’s system like the back of his hand. They’ve been together for years since their Alaska partnership. Now, they’ve parted ways. Magnolia gave up assistant coach Johnny Abarrientos to Ginebra in a reunion with Cone and a happy get-together with nephew RJ. Kirk Collier traded seats with Abarrientos. Because Cone and LA know each other so well, expect a tactical chess match with both sides playing tit-for-tat.

The Hotshots will lean on Mark Barroca, Peter Alfaro and Rome de la Rosa to play physical backcourt defense. They’ll make it difficult for RJ and Thompson to set up. Ian Sangalang and James Laput will take care of the interior, leaving Lucero and Javi Gomez de Liaño to attack wherever there’s a mismatch. An advantage is Magnolia’s fully-loaded bench which led the past conference in points from relievers. Tenorio will remind his players not to fall in love with deep shots even as Paul Lee shot 48.7 percent and Alfaro 60 percent from four. The downside is Magnolia was last in three point percentage.

Redness, itchiness and a burning sensation are classic signs of sensitive skin.

There are many factors that cause sensitive skin, and these could be irritants in products used, temperature change and even stress.

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Mabelle Colayco explained the two factors that people with sensitive skin must know.

Dr. Colayco explained that sensitive skin occurs when there is a break on the skin.

‘Your skin is not one whole sheet; it’s not a blanket. It’s made up of bricks, and in between the bricks, there are ‘cement’ and that ‘cement’ when you have sensitive skin, may break siya.

‘Parang sa kalye, ‘pag may break, pumupunta doon ‘yung environmental factors tapos nagkaka-inflammation sa ilalim. Pag nagka-inflammation sa ilalim, tuloy-tuloy na yung cascade ng sensitive skin,’ the dermatologist explained, likening sensitive skin to a damaged road with holes being invaded by impurities that cause the skin condition.

The remedy is to target two issues that contribute to the development of sensitive skin: repairing the barrier and addressing inflammation.

These can be addressed by a visit to the dermatologist for an apt treatment plan, which include products that feature ingredients that target these skin issues.

Dr. Colayco said to take note of products that have ceramide, lipids, and glycerin, and anti-inflammatory ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal, chamomile and calendula.

Ceramide and lipids are protective barriers, while glycerin is a humectant, a water-attracting ingredient that draws moisture from the air deeper into the skin. Calendula is an ingredients that helps hydrate and heal the skin, while chamomile soothes irritation, reduces redness and calms irritated skin.

Colloidal oatmeal, she said, is different from the remedy of cooking oatmeal at home. This is the reason why the dermatologist recommends FDA-approved products with these ingredients because these have undergone lab processing and testing proven to be safe and effective for use by a vast number of people.

Dr. Collayco was among the dermatologists present at the launch of the collaboration between beauty and wellness retalier and the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) last Wednesday.

The collaboration features free skin consultation at mall activation sites, including at the Mall of Asia Atrium only available until today, October 5.

Watsons also began offering free dermatology consultations every weekend from 12 noon to 8 p.m. in select stores in the metro. Visit SM MOA 7, Robinsons Place Manila, SM North Edsa Grand, SM Grand Central, SM Megamall, or SM City Tanza to get direct and accessible skin consultation with an expert.

As you may well know by now, the federal government is currently on shutdown since Wednesday. There has been no clear indication from either side whether it is willing to drop its well-entrenched demands or even ready to enter into a compromise. No one knows when this shutdown will end, not even the leaders of either parties. So what happens when the shutdown continues to drag for several more days or even weeks?

As far as immigration services are concerned, it depends which agency we are referring to. For USCIS, services remain undisrupted. It is a fee-based agency which means that its operations are funded from the fees it generates. So applications and petitions are still accepted, processed, and decided as normally as it does. So you can still continue to submit your applications and petitions, attend appointments, interviews, and naturalization ceremonies.

What about immigration arrests? These are being handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Unfortunately, rounding up undocumented immigrants will continue as these are deemed essential law enforcement work. You will still see rampant deportation operations across the country bolstered by the fact that the agency also received a huge boost in funding from the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill.

The immigration courts remain open but may have limited workload as it may only hear those who are in detention. However, because ICE operations still continue, immigration courts remain open so as to accommodate the hearing of cases that ICE officers filed.

The US Customs and Border Protection remain open as their services are deemed essential. CBP also received additional funding with the One Big Beautiful Bill so the additional money hedges whatever impact the shutdown has on its operations. It is and will continue to remain in operation.

Consulate interviews and appointments still continue as normal. Just make sure you check with the local consulate if there are any changes. But like USCIS, the US Department of State functions such as visa issuance and consular services rely on fees to keep its operation going, so there should be no disruptions expected for their operations

In all cases, check with the specific agency involved to see if there are any closures, limitations, or restrictions most especially as the shutdown drags on.

I would be remiss if I do not convey my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who passed away as victims of the tragic earthquake. I am saddened to see the hardships and difficulties that our fellow Cebuanos are facing. These are trying times for the Cebuano community but we are a people of faith and steely resolve. Santo Niño has got our back and the shared unity, charity, and resiliency of all Cebuanos will help us rise from the rubble. We have endured far worse calamities and disasters and emerged far better and stronger. There is no reason we cannot do it again this time.

Whether or not you’ve seen the hit Viva One series ‘Ang Mutya ng Section E,’ there’s no denying the chemistry between Andres Muhlach and Ashtine Olviga as their onscreen spark has already earned them their first big-screen movie for their second project together.

Teaming up with Viva’s writer-director Jason Paul Laxamana, ‘Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna’ is a coming-of-age tale about two young lovers, Raffy and Luna. The film takes viewers through the journey of their relationship from senior high school to college.

Raffy is not one to hide his emotions. He’s already in love with Luna, and she doesn’t mind starting a relationship as long as whatever they’re doing isn’t ‘kaderder’ (her playful version of ‘kadiri,’ meaning gross).

Things become complicated as the two find themselves on different paths in life. While Raffy slowly comes out of his shell, Luna has to stop schooling to help her abused mother. When Luna finally escapes her predicament, the dynamic in their relationship begins to shift – leaving viewers to wonder if two people from different worlds can find common ground to keep their love afloat.

Despite its subtitle, don’t mistake ‘Minamahal’ for a sequel or even a spin-off of the ‘Para Kay Stella’ duology starring JC Santos and Bela Padilla. The only connection lies in this concept: 100 items given by the protagonist to the object of their affection.

This time, however, the film doesn’t focus as heavily on the symbolic gifts as ‘Stella’ did with poems and songs. Instead, the flowers serve as subtle markers of where their relationship stands, up until the final bloom.

While Fidel and Stella felt like lovers straight out of a romantic comedy, Raffy and Luna come across as more true-to-life. Their romance and their personal struggles feel grounded and relatable beyond the usual ‘hugot’ dialogue.

Laxamana’s storytelling wavers at times, with contrasting tones that make the film feel like several stories stitched together without smooth transitions. However, it manages to land on an ending that makes sense within the film’s arcs.

The performances of its leads show promise. Andres may not yet match his father, Aga Muhlach, in acting range, but he demonstrates potential once he refines his line delivery. Olviga, however, is the clear standout, with an effortless portrayal that makes Luna feel both real and compelling.

As a duo, Andres and Ashtine work so well together. They clearly understand the emotional dynamics between their characters, highlighting the strengths of Laxamana’s script.

One major complaint that AshDres ‘shippers’ will likely notice right away is the blatant product placement throughout the film. A telco company and a restaurant owned by Viva’s parent company are featured so prominently that they become distracting. It almost feels like watching a music video where the artist is forced to include a product shot just because it helped fund the production.

Product placements aren’t new, and they’re forgivable when integrated naturally. Unfortunately, these moments feel more like advertisements that take viewers away from the story.

Still, there’s much to enjoy in ‘Minamahal’ if you’re willing to overlook its script’s lapses and not-so-subtle advertisements, thanks to the palpable chemistry between Andres and Ashtine – a pairing that makes this two-hour film worth watching in cinemas. Three stars out of five.

In July last year, the Philippine basketball world was shaken with one of the biggest and most controversial, transfers in college hoops’ recent history.

Mason Amos, who was a bright spot for Ateneo in his rookie season, flew out of the Eagles’ nest and landed on Taft Avenue to join the La Salle Green Archers.

Now, 15 months later, Amos played against his former team in a very emotional UAAP Season 88 contest Sunday, where the 6-foot-7 stretch forward was booed by the Blue Eagle crowd even before the game started.

Ateneo led by as much as 33 points before keeping La Salle’s furious rally in check to grab a 81-74 victory and remain unscathed in the tournament.

There, Amos struggled, scoring just six points while hauling down two rebounds and dishing out two assists in 25 minutes and 47 seconds of play.

After the game, Amos acknowledged that he had a bad game, but it had nothing to do with the hecklers from the crowd.

‘I mean, there’s really nothing to comment about it. You know, that’s how they feel. And I mean, that’s gonna be how they feel for the rest of the season. And I mean, I’m just gonna keep moving forward,’ he said.

Asked if he was rattled by the jeers from the crowd, he answered in the negative.

‘No, I’m good. I’m good. I mean, I had a bad game, but we all have bad games. And I’m just gonna keep improving from here,’ he stated.

‘I mean, just trying to be mentally tough. You know, just being there for my teammates because my team needs me also. So, I mean, just being myself and being true to myself.’

La Salle was suffocated by Ateneo’s tight defense, staring at at a 30-point disadvantage heading into the fourth quarter.

But the Green Archers erupted with a 22-0 run to chip the lead away.

However, the comeback attempt came a little too late as the closest La Salle got to was within five points with less than a minute remaining.

‘I’m just gonna be straight honest. We really played really bad. And it’s a bit obvious, you know, you guys saw what happened in the first half. Time wasn’t on our side even though we made a big run. But we can’t keep relying on that stuff to happen,’ Amos said.

‘And we take full responsibility for this, not the coaches, the players. We didn’t play how we usually play. And there’s no excuse for this game.’

Now at 2-2, La Salle will try to return to the win column as it takes on National University next Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

If this were an edge-of-your-seat Netflix-style political thriller, it’s the kind where no one can tell just yet how the ending will unfold.

The plot, after all, has become so twisted in this flood-control corruption saga.

The grapevine is buzzing – speculating on different scenarios, each with its own ending. Here are the possible next chapters of this flood control series, based on the circumstances of alleged key players implicated in this mess:

Scenario 1: Zaldy Co returns and does a do-or-die tell-all

One possibility is that Zaldy Co, the ex-lawmaker and former House appropriations committee chairman, dramatically resurfaces and sings like a canary.

He would be doing exactly what New York mafia underboss Salvatore ‘Sammy the Bull’ Gravano did when he turned against the untouchable mafia boss John Gotti.

Gravano, once Gotti’s confidante, testified against the crime kingpin in 1992, paving the way for Gotti’s eventual conviction and life imprisonment.

In this plot twist, Co, whom witnesses say is a key player in this infrastructure kickbacks scandal, testifies that former speaker Martin Romualdez is the mastermind of the budget insertions and the whole caboodle.

If all that talk about Co is true, including the P1 billion in cash supposedly delivered to him in seven vans, then he will surely be a credible witness, as he can corroborate the testimonies of other respondents in the congressional inquiries.

It’s not going to be easy for Co, but when he runs out of places or countries to escape to, the only way out may be to come home and spill it all.

Such a bombshell will make Romualdez the face of this systematic looting of state coffers.

This, of course, is just a scenario, as both Co and Romualdez have repeatedly denied all the allegations against them.

Scenario 2: Marcos charges his cousin

Another hypothetical scenario, assuming the first scenario happens, is that President Marcos – who earlier said there would be no sacred cows – greenlights the filing of charges against his cousin, the former House speaker.

This may be a shining moment for Marcos but it won’t be easy because it will surely fracture the decades-long Marcos-Romualdez alliance. Is Marcos willing to take that political risk?

The repercussions of this are that Romualdez will retaliate, which may be a threat to the Marcoses. After all, as they say in the underworld, he knows ‘where the bodies are buried.’ In short, Romualdez, if he is guilty of allegations against him, knows where the money trail ends or who else received billions in kickbacks from insertions.

He may invoke his last card and remind the First Family that he helped keep them afloat during exile. If he retaliates, it may destabilize the administration and rivals may exploit it.

It may also boomerang back to Marcos himself as it will weaken him. What was once a family alliance turns into open political warfare, with the Dutertes circling like sharks.

Scenario 3: The Duterte camp exploits the rift

If the second scenario becomes a reality, it will be an opportunity for the Duterte camp to exploit the cracks in the Marcos administration.

Sara Duterte and her allies in both the Senate and the House will use Romualdez’s downfall to weaken Marcos further. New alliances will form and will paint the Marcos presidency as corrupt and compromised. Note that in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.

For sure, the Dutertes will reassert themselves as the ‘cleaner’ alternative for 2028. They will take advantage of the public works corruption scandal, arguing that the investigations launched by the Romualdez-led chamber against Sara were merely a smokescreen to cover up his own crime.

The result is that Sara will gain momentum against both Marcos and opposition figures and will be a shoo-in for 2028.

Scenario 4: Nothing happens

Another scenario I see isn’t exactly a positive one, but it has a strong likelihood of happening in our storied nation of 115 million.

Despite the mayhem and the chaos, and despite all the promises of leaving no stone unturned, it’s possible that nothing will happen. There will be inquiries behind closed doors until the national attention moves to another big issue.

Maybe one or two underbosses of the underbosses will be charged, but the cases will drag in court for years until the rage dies down and the public forgets. Nobody will be sent to jail. The big fish will end up scot-free, lay low for a while and come up with another idea for a grand thievery.

In the end, just like in previous corruption scandals, it will be back to the good ol’ days.

Scenario 5: 2028

OK, this is not a scenario, it’s inevitable. But what happens in 2028 depends on how well Marcos will handle the biggest crisis his administration is facing. If the public is satisfied with the outcome, a Marcos ally may yet win against Sara Duterte.

If not, it’s Sara for sure – and the fallout from the ugly breakup of UniTeam will linger. The Marcoses and the Romualdezes may once again have to prepare for exile, assuming Sara is kind enough to simply send them abroad.

These are of course just scenarios in our TV-like story, hinging on whether the alleged masterminds are really who the witnesses claim them to be.

As for the rest of us, we can only hope there will be a day of reckoning when the guilty are finally charged. Now, that’s one happy ending.

For those of us working in the foreign service, what is happening in our country today is so frustrating, to say the least. Here we are vigorously promoting the Philippines like hell, competing with our Asian neighbors for a ‘slice of the pie’ – only to be confronted with this horrific corruption scandal the country is facing.

Countries are considering suspending funding for a bridge project linked to the scandal, citing concerns over governance and transparency. Other bilateral donors and aid agencies are quietly reviewing their exposure. What begins with a single delayed project can quickly cascade: procurement pipelines slow down and lenders hesitate to approve new funding tranches.

The Philippines finds itself at a precarious crossroads, with a broadening corruption scandal surrounding flood control and infrastructure projects dominating headlines – triggering public outrage and drawing scrutiny from donors and investors alike. What initially appeared as a domestic political crisis has evolved into a reputational challenge with direct implications on foreign direct investments, international aid and the country’s broader economic trajectory.

For the business and finance community, this episode is not merely a governance story: it cuts right to the heart of how risks are priced, how projects are financed and whether the Philippines can sustain its narrative as one of Southeast Asia’s rising investment destinations.

International capital flows need to be protected. For multilateral development banks, bilateral donors and private financiers alike, the primary question is not simply ‘What is the return?’ but ‘Can I trust the money to be used as intended?’

Revelations of kickbacks, substandard works and inflated contracts in government-funded flood control projects directly undermine that trust. Once credibility is shaken, the cost is not only reputational. Donors may suspend disbursements, impose stricter conditionalities or redirect funding to countries with more predictable governance frameworks. Private investors may demand higher risk premiums or shift capital to competing destinations like Vietnam or Indonesia.

This reputational contagion extends beyond aid – several foreign firms operating in the Philippines already felt the effects of ongoing graft probes. Heightened uncertainty is forcing multinationals to reassess whether the Philippine market justifies added risks. For those weighing expansion, the scandal could tip the balance toward postponement or cancellation.

Investors in emerging markets are quick to react to risks. Political and governance scandals translate into higher spreads on sovereign debt, greater volatility in equity markets and a weaker peso as confidence ebbs. This is no small matter for the Philippines, which depends on both remittance inflows and foreign capital to balance its current account.

If international financial institutions perceive systemic weaknesses in procurement and anti-corruption enforcement, ratings agencies may flag governance as a structural risk, raising borrowing costs for both government and private issuers, squeezing fiscal space and corporate expansion plans alike.

In a region where capital moves quickly, perception matters as much as fundamentals. Investors ask not only whether the Philippines is growing – but whether it is being governed properly.

Another under-appreciated consequence is the alignment of this scandal with environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks. Much of the corruption has been uncovered in flood control and water management projects – sectors central to climate resilience.

Donors are increasingly deploying capital with ESG criteria. If the Philippines becomes perceived as a governance liability precisely in those sectors, it risks exclusion from the fastest-growing streams of concessional and green financing. For private investors, association with projects tainted by corruption also carries reputational risk that many boards will not tolerate.

At home, the scandal threatens to stall infrastructure rollout – a backbone of the government’s growth strategy. Delayed projects mean lost jobs, fewer contracts for suppliers and weaker overall economic gains.

Moreover, corruption diverts scarce fiscal resources. Every peso siphoned away through kickbacks is a peso deprived for education, health or legitimate infrastructure, eventually eroding productivity, widening inequality and suppressing domestic demand – all of which matter to investors assessing market fundamentals.

What needs to happen next is key because the damage is real, yet not irreparable. The Philippines can still turn this crisis into an opportunity for reform through 1) swift, credible and independent investigations. Business and financial partners are watching not only what the government says, but what it does. An independent anti-corruption body with prosecutorial power would reassure donors that accountability is not cosmetic; 2) full transparency. Procurement records, contract details and audit reports should be made public. Sunlight is the best disinfectant – and also the most persuasive argument to skeptical investors that the government has nothing to hide and 3) visible accountability. Symbolic prosecutions will not suffice. High-level convictions, restitution of stolen funds and protection of whistleblowers would send the clearest message that the Philippines is serious about changing course.

For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this a test of leadership, with the scandal presenting both peril and possibility. Peril, because mishandling could bolster perceptions that his administration is unwilling or unable to confront corruption. Possibility, because success in restoring trust could provide the lasting legacy his presidency seeks.

The unfolding corruption scandal has already eroded confidence and frozen some capital flows. Left unchecked, it could raise risk premiums, drive away investors and curtail access to international aid just when the Philippines needs it most.

Yet the same crisis can be a catalyst. If the government acts decisively, engages transparently and builds enduring institutions, the Philippines can emerge stronger – with renewed investor trust and reinforced governance.

For the business and finance community, the message must be clear that there is decisiveness in making necessary reforms – because this moment of crisis can actually open a window of opportunity.

Clearly, we must seize the moment before the moment seizes us.

It took some time, but the Far Eastern University Tamaraws tallied their first win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

The Tamaraws finally put themselves in the win column after quelling the gritty Adamson Soaring Falcons, 64-58, Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mo Konateh powered the Tamaraws with a solid statline of 18 points and 21 rebounds, to go with three assists, two blocks and an assist. Kirby Mongcopa chipped in 15 markers, five boards and two dimes.

‘We’re grateful to be blessed to be in this moment. We’re grateful to be… that God put us in this place to be like an example of resilience because we could have easily already feel pretty down about ourselves,’ he said.

‘But what I liked about my guys was after the disappointing loss to La Salle, we actually worked even harder. And we know in anything in life, once you get your back against the wall, you go harder or you give up. So, I’m so proud of them,’ he added.

After leading by as much as 11 points, 56-45, with 8:09 remaining in the game after a Mongcopa deuce, the Falcons stormed back and sliced the deficit slowly.

They trailed by just three, 58-61, with 1:44 remaining after a short jumper by Ced Manzano.

But Janrey Pasaol hit the dagger triple to push the lead to six, 64-58, with 1:28 left.

On the other end, Manu Anabo and Ray Allen Torres missed their attempts that would have inched them closer.

But a steal by Pasaol, as well as another turnover by Torres, sucked the air out of Adamson’s lungs.

Pasaol contributed 13 markers, six boards, five dimes and two steals. Neil Owens produced nine points for FEU.

Monty Montebon was the only double-digit scorer for the Falcons with 14 markers and seven boards. Matty Erolon backstopped with nine points.

With FEU’s win, only the University of the East Red Warriors are the lone team without a victory thus far. The Tamaraws and the Soaring Falcons are now tied in the standings at 1-3.

The Land Transportation Office will reshuffle all its LTO district chiefs following reports of underperformance, particularly in license plate distribution and enforcement of regulations against unregistered and colorum vehicles.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said he has directed all regional directors to recommend the reassignment of underperforming district officers as part of efforts to improve efficiency and service delivery.

The directive came after the review of monthly accomplishment reports showed slow plate distribution, fewer apprehensions of vehicles with expired registration and declining operations against colorum vehicles.

‘While most of the district offices are doing well, a number of district officers are becoming complacent in their positions, especially those who have been holding the same office since the beginning of this administration,’ Mendoza said.

The LTO noted that the reorganization seeks to improve the performance of district offices and enhance the implementation of key programs, such as the faster distribution of license plates and release of vehicle registration documents within three days from purchase.

Mendoza reiterated his push for the same-day release of license plates and official receipt/certificate of registration or OR/CR of newly bought vehicles to reduce backlogs and improve customer service.

He noted that some district offices have failed to sustain outreach activities for licensing and vehicle registration, resulting in reduced public access to LTO services.

An LTO review also showed weaker enforcement against colorum vehicles, which legitimate transport groups say continue to affect their daily income by as much as 30 percent.